A LATE winner helped Colchester United's under-18s beat visitors Watford 2-1 in their latest Professional Development League Two match, writes BRIAN WALLER.

After losing heavily at the Hornets six weeks ago, the U’s recovered really well and recorded their fourth league win in their last five games.

Freddie Price's deflected shot flew just wide early on for Colchester.

But the U's took a ninth-minute lead through Kai Redgrave, who fired a low and unstoppable first-time effort into the net.

Colchester took advantage of the wind in the first half and it was almost 2-0 when Kaan Bennett was denied by keeper Jonathan Macaulay, who saved with his legs.

Frankie Edwards’ header was nodded off the line but Watford equalised, just before the interval.

A ball out from defence failed to reach Redgrave and when the Watford left-back got the ball in, it deflected high into the box and Freddie Moriarty bravely converted, picking up an injury in the process.

Colchester recovered well from conceding and stormed forward after the break but were continually denied by keeper Macaulay.

Bennett's effort from Redgrave's delivery produced a superb reflex save by Macaulay who pushed the ball away.

And Macaulay made another fine stop soon after, pushing Bradley Ihionvien's strike around the post.

Redgrave's attempt was diverted by Macaulay onto the underside of the bar and the Watford keeper was lucky soon after when Bennett charged his kick down and the ball spiralled skywards and bounced off the top of the bar and over.

Watford threatened to go ahead and after some neat football opened up the U's defence, Jaime Tedaldi made a good save down to his right at the expense of a corner.

Ihionvien volleyed over before Colchester got their rewards for a very good second-half display, with two minutes remaining.

After being found by a cross-field ball, Yates stormed down the right and despite being fouled he kept his feet, allowing Sean Brown to turn home at the near post.

And despite three minutes of stoppage-time, there were no late alarms for the home team.

Colchester United U18: Jaime Tedaldi, Bradley Chakawa, Frankie Edwards, Ellis Sullivan, Kai Redgrave, Kacy Parish, Jaiden Drakes-Thomas, Sean Brown, Freddie Price (sub Matt Yates, 52), Bradley Ihionvien, Kaan Bennett.